Kathy Hamilton Why Do We Resist Creativity?
When you were a child what did you like doing best? Chances are that whatever it was, it involved being creative. As children we’re naturally creative, we wonder, we enjoy imaginative play and we are actively encouraged to make things and explore our creativity every day.
So what happens? Somewhere along the line, we start to take in the subconscious messages that creative activities are, well, child’s play. We learn that taking time out of our day just to draw or sing or write is a waste of time. Even taking time out of your day to do nothing but let your imagination wander is frowned upon!
By the time we reach adulthood must have had our creative confidence severely knocked. So much so that what was once natural creative expression feels anything but natural. We label ourselves as ‘non-creative’ and call it a day. But, of course, that’s not the end of the story!
Building Creative Confidence One Step at Time
Just like learning to ski or run a marathon, learning to be more creative takes practice. Especially when you’re woefully out of tune with your creative side. Isn’t it funny that when we’re learning to ski we accept that becoming proficient will take time and will involve falling over and getting back up again? It’s the same with running. Nobody runs a 5k the first time they hit the pavement and who would expect them to?
It’s the same with creativity. Say you want to draw- it’s going to take practice and there’s no way around that! But the great news is that getting there is half the fun. Think how proud you’ll be in a year’s time if you start practising that creative skill you’ve been meaning to try today? The good news is that there are so many online classes available right now that will help you get started or even give you ideas. At least until you start to feel more confident doing it on your own.
Schedule In Creative Time
Scheduling in time to be creative can be important when you’re not used to it. Call it self care if you like! I truly believe it’s vital to our overall well-being to allow ourselves specific moments in our day or week to do things we enjoy- simply for the sake of enjoying them.
Starting a class is the perfect way to build creative confidence, especially if you’re woefully out of practice. As I mentioned above, somewhere along the way our “hustle” culture demanded that every second of our lives be accounted for. We stopped having hobbies and started having side jobs. If we allowed ourselves time for creativity, our consumerist society demanded we turn it into a lucrative pursuit. I believe that scheduling in creative time is one way to start changing that mindset for good.
Try Out New Mediums
Creativity isn’t tied down to one or two activities. It can cover almost every activity in the world if you just look at it…creatively! For me, I find so much joy in baking it’s something I can pour love into and take my time over. I rarely bake anything overly complicated but enjoy it as an act of expression- and a tasty one at that!
But there’s so many other creative mediums I’d like to try. Water Colour painting is one of them, as is embroidery. I love the idea of starting with a blank piece of fabric or any empty page and ending up with something beautiful to decorate my house with. I might not be great at them. Hey I might not even like them if I actually tried them but that’s part of the journey.
I didn’t know what kind of fitness styles I liked until I tried some different ones out either. But now I have a pretty solid grasp on what I like to do at the gym. And not being there counts!). I’m sure you’ve caught my drift here. Try a few creative outlets on for size, you might surprise yourself and find your new favourite hobby.
If You’re Really Stuck, Go For a Walk
In my day to day job as a copywriter, I can’t tell you the number of times I have to utilise this little trick. Look, I know I told you to schedule in creative time a few paragraphs ago but trying to force creativity is like trying to watch a pot of water come to the boil. Sure you might eventually get there buy my goodness, what a bore it is.
Sometimes the best way to get creative is to literally walk away from the project. If you can, going on a real walk definitely helps; Charles Dickens used to walk miles through London every day to find inspiration. But even changing up your location or activity will help in a pinch.
Walking away from a project gives your brain time to sit on it for a little while. Those dusty creative cogs can start to crank themselves into gear and bob’s you’re uncle, the next time you open the project again you’ll have an idea of where to go. In fact, this is the perfect time to try out my next suggestion.
Get Inspired By Something
If you’re really struggling with feeling creative listening or watching something that inspires you can really help. There are so many inspiring people out there and nothing makes me feel creative more quickly than watching someone passionately share their own inspiration.
Similarly, going for a walk is a great way to feel creative. Grab your camera or your sketchbook and take a stroll, trying to capture anything that makes you feel inspired. It could be a beautiful plant or some amazing architecture. I could even be the sky. Learn to look at your surroundings and find inspiration.
Just Go Do It Already!
Procrastination is real and it’s sole purpose in life is to stop you getting on with the things you really want to be doing! I really struggle with this one. It’s so easy to convince yourself that there’s a million and one things you should or could be doing instead of that creative activity. I’m guessing that you’re probably reading even this article as a form of procrastination! That’s why my final point is to shake you by the shoulders and say: “friend, just go and do [insert creative medium] already!”. You’ll be so glad you did
